An electroacoustic portable device charger and direct power adaptor. Ultrasonic transducers transmit acoustic energy which is converted into electrical power for the purposes of charging portable device batteries. Specifically, a wireless personal data device (such as a mobile phone) charging pad is disclosed. Feedback control loop and phased piezo array steer acoustic wavefronts into receiver transducers without the threat of electromagnetic interference. Parameters are monitored to maximize power efficiency and transmission. Device cradles and covers can be retrofitted to accommodate piezo electronics or integrated therein.
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1. A portable device charging system comprising: a transmitter comprising: an electroacoustic charging pad having one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements; a power source; a signal generator; an amplifier; a proximity switch; and a first antenna; a receiver comprising: one or more electroacoustic receiving elements; a battery; and, a second antenna; whereby, said first and second antennae are in electromagnetic communication and said electroacoustic transmitting and receiving elements are in ultrasonic communication, said proximity switch senses a location of said receiver on said charging pad, and said controller only activates said electroacoustic transmitting elements proximal to said location.
A wireless charging system uses ultrasound to transfer power to a portable device. A charging pad contains multiple ultrasound transmitters powered by a power source, signal generator, and amplifier. A proximity sensor detects the device's location on the pad, activating only the nearby transmitters. The portable device has ultrasound receivers that convert the acoustic energy back into electricity to charge its battery. Electromagnetic antennas on both the pad and device communicate for control and feedback.
2. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said power source is a direct current.
The wireless charging system from the previous description, using ultrasound to transfer power to a portable device, is powered by a direct current (DC) power source. The charging pad contains multiple ultrasound transmitters, and a proximity sensor detects the device's location to activate nearby transmitters. The portable device contains ultrasound receivers to convert acoustic energy back into electricity for battery charging. Electromagnetic antennas facilitate control and feedback.
3. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said power source is an alternating current.
The wireless charging system from the original description, using ultrasound to transfer power to a portable device, is powered by an alternating current (AC) power source. The charging pad contains multiple ultrasound transmitters, and a proximity sensor detects the device's location to activate nearby transmitters. The portable device contains ultrasound receivers to convert acoustic energy back into electricity for battery charging. Electromagnetic antennas facilitate control and feedback.
4. The charging system of claim 1 , whereby signals are generated by said signal generator and amplified by said amplifier.
In the wireless charging system, signals are created by a signal generator and then boosted in power by an amplifier before being sent to the ultrasound transmitters. This amplified signal drives the ultrasound transducers on the charging pad, converting the electrical signal into acoustic energy for wireless power transfer to a portable device.
5. The charging system of claim 4 , whereby said amplified signals are transmitted over said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements.
The amplified signals from the previous signal generation and amplification are transmitted through one or more electroacoustic elements, converting the amplified electrical signals into ultrasonic acoustic energy waves. These waves propagate toward the receiving device for wireless power transfer, enabling charging of a portable device without physical connectors.
6. The charging system of claim 5 , whereby said transmitted ultrasonic signals are received by said electroacoustic receiving elements.
The transmitted ultrasonic waves from the charging pad, created by the electroacoustic transmitting elements, are received by corresponding electroacoustic receiving elements located in the portable device. These receiving elements convert the acoustic energy back into electrical energy, which can then be used to charge the device's battery.
7. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said controller controls a feedback control loop.
The wireless charging system incorporates a feedback control loop to optimize the power transfer process. A controller monitors system parameters, such as voltage, current, and temperature, and adjusts the signal generator and amplifier settings to maximize efficiency and ensure stable operation. This feedback loop helps maintain consistent charging performance despite variations in device placement or environmental conditions.
8. The charging system of claim 7 , wherein parameters utilized in said feedback control loop are transmitted over first and second antennae via electromagnetic communication.
In the wireless charging system incorporating a feedback control loop to optimize power transfer, parameters used in the feedback control loop are communicated wirelessly between the charging pad and the portable device via the electromagnetic antennas. This allows the charging pad to dynamically adjust power output based on real-time device needs and environmental conditions, optimizing charging efficiency.
9. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements comprise an electroacoustic material such as a piezoelectric material.
The ultrasound transmitting elements in the wireless charging pad are made from a piezoelectric material or other electroacoustic material. This material converts electrical energy into mechanical vibrations (ultrasound) and vice versa, enabling the wireless transfer of power. This material choice allows for efficient acoustic energy generation.
10. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements are comprised by a phased array.
The ultrasound transmitters on the charging pad are arranged as a phased array. This allows the system to steer the acoustic wavefront, focusing the energy onto the receiver in the portable device, thus optimizing power transfer efficiency and accommodating variations in receiver position.
11. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said receiver is integrated into a personal data device.
The ultrasound receiver components are integrated directly into a personal data device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. This means the device has built-in capability to receive power wirelessly through ultrasound, without needing external adapters or add-ons.
12. The charging system of claim 1 , whereby said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements transmit at a frequency between 500 kHz and 2 MHz.
The ultrasound transmitting elements in the wireless charging system operate at a frequency between 500 kHz and 2 MHz. This frequency range allows for efficient acoustic energy transfer through common materials while minimizing interference with other electronic devices.
13. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements and electroacoustic receiving elements are disposed less than 1 cm from one another.
The ultrasound transmitting elements and receiving elements are positioned close to each other, less than 1 centimeter apart. This close proximity enhances the acoustic coupling between the transmitter and receiver, leading to more efficient energy transfer and reducing energy loss during wireless charging.
14. The charging system of claim 13 , wherein said charging pad includes a charging surface comprised of an acoustic medium, said acoustic medium disposed between said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements and electroacoustic receiving elements, the acoustic medium excluding air between said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements and electroacoustic receiving elements.
The wireless charging pad includes a charging surface made of an acoustic medium that fills the space between the ultrasound transmitters and receivers, excluding air. This medium facilitates the efficient transfer of acoustic energy, reducing signal loss and improving the overall charging efficiency of the system.
15. The charging system of claim 14 , wherein the acoustic medium is a low loss material between the frequencies of 500 kHz and 2 MHz.
The acoustic medium used in the wireless charging pad between the ultrasound transmitter and receiver has low loss characteristics within the operating frequency range of 500 kHz to 2 MHz. This minimizes energy dissipation as the ultrasound waves propagate through the medium, ensuring high efficiency of power transfer.
16. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein the density of said one or more electroacoustic transmitting elements is between 20-45 elements per square inch.
The density of the electroacoustic transmitting elements on the charging pad is between 20 and 45 elements per square inch. This spatial density ensures sufficient acoustic energy coverage across the charging surface, enabling reliable wireless power transfer to the receiver in the portable device.
17. The charging system of claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical alignment stage disposed on said charging pad.
The wireless charging pad includes a mechanical alignment stage. This stage helps users position their portable device correctly on the charging pad, ensuring proper alignment between the ultrasound transmitters and receivers for efficient wireless power transfer.
18. The charging system of claim 1 , further comprising any of: a power output monitor, rectifier, a voltage regulator, a phase delay circuit, and a clock.
The wireless charging system includes one or more of the following: a power output monitor to measure the amount of power being transferred, a rectifier to convert AC to DC if needed, a voltage regulator to maintain a stable output voltage, a phase delay circuit to optimize acoustic signal transmission, and a clock to synchronize system operations.
19. A system for delivering energy to power or charge an electrical source, comprising: an electrical power supply; a transmitting ultrasound transducer that takes electrical energy from said electrical power supply and transmits an ultrasound energy wavefront in a determined direction; a receiving ultrasound transducer, coupled to said transmitting ultrasound transducer through an acoustic coupling medium, that receives said ultrasound energy wavefront and generates a generated electrical output through transduction in said receiving ultrasound transducer; an electronic signal conditioning circuit including a rectifier receiving said generated electrical output and outputting a conditioned electrical output; a controller for controlling an amount of conditioned electrical output to generate a controlled electrical output; and a battery unit receiving said controlled electrical output so as to charge said battery with electrical energy derived from said controlled electrical output.
A system that wirelessly delivers energy to power or charge a battery. It uses an electrical power supply to energize an ultrasound transducer. The transducer then converts this energy into an ultrasound wavefront directed towards a receiving transducer through an acoustic coupling medium. The receiving transducer converts the ultrasound back into electrical energy, which is conditioned by a circuit and then controlled by a controller. The final controlled electrical output is used to charge the battery.
20. The charging system of claim 17 , further comprising an acoustic coupling medium disposed in mechanical alignment flanges of said mechanical alignment stage, the acoustic coupling medium comprising a gel pad, an ultrasound coupling pad, or a liquid.
The wireless charging pad, which includes a mechanical alignment stage for correct device placement, also has an acoustic coupling medium such as a gel pad, ultrasound coupling pad, or liquid filling the mechanical alignment flanges. This medium improves acoustic energy transfer between the transmitting and receiving ultrasound transducers, enhancing charging efficiency.
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March 27, 2015
April 18, 2017
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